Interchangeable handbag

ABSTRACT

A handbag including a flexible receptacle member and a removably interchangeable elongated strap configured for coupling to the receptacle member, a handbag with a flexible receptacle member including a removably interchangeable bottom sleeve panel and strap, and a system for interchanging elements of a handbag are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to handbags, and more particularly, to handbags with interchangeable components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A time-honored rule with respect to fashion and the fashion industry is that the color of the purse or handbag that is carried must match the garment color or other accessories worn. One difficulty associated with following the rule is that one must have many purses or handbags to coordinate with the colors in a wardrobe. Another problem associated with complying with the rule necessarily requires additional and suitable storage space to accommodate all of the coordinating bags and garments.

Those following the rule will likely purchase handbags that may only be used a few times. This practice can be expensive, and is also contrary to the current trends in reducing waste worldwide as an environmental concern. For example, another problem with following the rule is that more animals will need to be destroyed when the bag is made from genuine leather. To create a fashionable look, however, matching the garment or other accessory color with the handbag is essential.

Those who switch handbags frequently also have to remove the contents from one bag and transfer to another, which may be time-consuming or an annoyance.

Accordingly, there remains a need for handbags that provide the proper accessory to the clothing worn by a user, and that also provide a good match for the garments or accessories worn by the user, without the user having to remove the contents from the handbag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a handbag, including a flexible receptacle member, including an open receptacle top; two opposing receptacle sides; a bottom receptacle panel; one or more strips of a first mating material disposed about an exterior periphery of the opposing receptacle sides adjacent the bottom panel and on an exterior surface of the bottom panel; and a plurality of first fastening members disposed on each of the opposing receptacle sides extending in parallel adjacent the bottom receptacle panel to adjacent the open receptacle top; and a removably interchangeable bottom sleeve member and elongated strap assembly, including an open sleeve top; a bottom sleeve panel; two opposing sleeve sides; one or more strips of a second mating material, disposed about an interior periphery of the sleeve sides and on an interior surface of the bottom sleeve panel, which matingly engages with the first mating material on the receptacle member; and an elongated strap joined to the bottom sleeve panel, the strap comprising a plurality of second fastening members that engage with the plurality of first fastening members to secure the strap to the receptacle member is described.

According to another aspect of the invention, a handbag, including a flexible receptacle member, including an open top; two opposing sides; a bottom; and a plurality of first fastening members disposed on each of the opposing sides extending in parallel adjacent the bottom to the open top, and a removably interchangeable elongated strap, including a plurality of second fastening members that engage with the plurality of first fastening members to secure the strap to the receptacle member is also described.

According to another aspect of the invention a system for interchanging elements of a handbag, including a flexible, open-ended receptacle member, including a top; a bottom; two opposing sides; and a plurality of first fastening members disposed on each of the opposing sides extending in parallel adjacent the bottom to adjacent the top, and a removably interchangeable elongated strap, including a plurality of second fastening members that engage with the plurality of first fastening members to secure the strap to the receptacle member is also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate common features of the described devices.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view illustrating a handbag according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom elevational view illustrating the bottom of the handbag of FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view illustrating the receptacle member according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view illustrating the bottom of the receptacle member of FIG. 3 according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational plan view illustrating the bottom sleeve and strap according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view illustrating a handbag according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom elevational view illustrating the bottom of the handbag of FIG. 6 according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view illustrating the receptacle member according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a bottom elevational view illustrating the bottom of the receptacle member of FIG. 8 according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view illustrating the bottom sleeve member and strap according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view illustrating a shoulder strap according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view illustrating a bag according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view illustrating the receptacle member of FIG. 12 according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view illustrating the strap according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a front plan view illustrating a shoulder strap according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view illustrating a bag according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view illustrating the receptacle member of FIG. 16 and a shoulder strap according to an aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 18 is a front plan view illustrating the strap according to an aspect of the invention.

The above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments are also contemplated, as disclosed herein. The disclosure represents the invention, but is not limited thereby, as it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MAKE CHANGES)

As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term “of” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present).

The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done for convenience to the reader and to provide a general sense of the invention. The use of these terms in the description herein should be read and understood to include one or at least one. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the contrary. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In any instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

As used herein, handbag(s) refers to purses, pocketbooks, satchels, tote bags, hobos, briefbags, duffles, and other styles of bags or handbags.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a handbag 100 according to an aspect of the invention includes a flexible, open-ended receptacle member 10. The receptacle member 10 includes two receptacle side panels 12, each side panel 12 including a top edge 12 a, a bottom edge 12 b (FIG. 3), and two side edges 12 c. One panel 12 is joined to the other panel 12 along each of the side edges 12 c. Member 10 also includes a bottom panel 14 (FIG. 4) coupled to the bottom edges 12 b of the panels 12 to form the open-ended receptacle member 10. The side panels and bottom panel are joined by stitching or other suitable means for attachment. The style of handbag 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a tote bag.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, disposed about the exterior periphery 18 of the receptacle panels 12 adjacent the bottom of the receptacle member 10 are one or more strips of a first mating material 16. Additional strips of first mating material 16 are also disposed on an exterior surface 20 of the bottom receptacle panel 14, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In addition, a first plurality of first fastening members 22 equidistantly spaced from one another, extend in vertical parallel rows from the bottom edge 12 b toward the top edge 12 a of each receptacle panel 12. The first fastening members 22 may be stud snaps or socket snaps. The socket snaps may also be magnetic. In addition to the first fastening members 22, the receptacle member 12 may include a toggle clasp 24 disposed adjacent the top edge 12 a of the receptacle member 10. The receptacle member 10 may also include a closure device 26, for example, a socket or stud snap disposed on the inner surface of each panel adjacent the top end to provide a means for closure of the handbag.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a removably interchangeable bottom sleeve member 30 is illustrated. The bottom sleeve member 30 is configured for enveloping a bottom portion of the receptacle member 10 to provide a snug fit. The bottom sleeve member 30 includes two side sleeve panels 32, with each of the side panels 32 including a top edge 32 a, a bottom edge 32 b, and two side edges 32 c. The side panels 32 are joined together along each of the side edges 32 c, and a bottom sleeve panel 34 (FIG. 2) is coupled to the bottom edge 32 b of each sleeve panel 32 to form the sleeve member 30. The side panels 32 and bottom sleeve panel 43 are joined to one another by stitching or other suitable means.

One or more strips of a second mating material 36 are disposed about an interior periphery 38 of the sleeve panels 32 of the bottom sleeve member 30, and on an interior surface 40 of the bottom sleeve panel 34, as illustrated in FIG. 5, to correspond to the placement of the first mating material 16 on the receptacle member 10. Upon assembly, the second mating material 36 matingly engages with the first mating material 16 on the receptacle member 10. The first mating material 16 and the second mating material 36 may be hook or loop fastening material, which is commercially available and sold under the trademark VELCRO, or may be formed of a metal, with one of the mating materials being magnetized. It should be understood that the height H of the bottom sleeve member is not critical, but in an exemplary example, the height H may be approximately 1 to 2 inches.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a second plurality of first fastening members 22 may be disposed on an outer surface 42 of the bottom sleeve panel 34, and may also extend therethrough into the inner surface as illustrated in FIG. 5. A removably interchangeable elongated strap 50 including a plurality of second fastening members 52 is provided to engage with the first plurality and the second plurality of first fastening members 22 (when a second plurality is present) of the receptacle member 10 and the bottom sleeve member 30 to secure the strap 50 to the receptacle member 10 with the sleeve member 30 attached. The second fastening members 52 may be stud snaps or socket snaps, depending upon the type of first fastening member 16 that is employed. According to an aspect of the invention, the strap may be permanently joined to the bottom sleeve panel at suitable locations, by a rivet or other suitable means for joining.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the elongated strap 50 may include one or more chain-link portions 56 that are coupled to the strap 50 by rings or loops 58. Also illustrated in FIG. 5 are four slotted apertures 54 that cooperate and engage with the toggle clasps 24 (FIG. 3) to lock the strap 50 onto the receptacle member 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The receptacle member, the bottom sleeve member, and the strap may suitably be formed from soft, pliable leather (genuine or synthetic), or a flexible plastic. Upon assembly, the bottom sleeve member 30, with or without a strap 50 joined thereto, is placed on the receptacle member 10, and the first mating material engages with the second mating material to form a detachable and snug fit. The strap 50 is then secured to the receptacle member by engaging the second fastening members 52 with the first fastening members 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, another aspect of the invention is described. In FIG. 6, a hobo-style handbag 200 is illustrated. The receptacle member 210 of handbag 200 includes two side panels 212 attached at each side 212 c, with the bottom edges 212 b attached to bottom panel 214 to form the receptacle member 210. The exterior surface 220 of bottom panel 214 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes strips of a first mating material 216. First mating material 216, in the form of one or more strips, is also disposed about the periphery 218 of the receptacle member 210 adjacent the bottom as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Referring still to FIG. 8, the receptacle member 210 includes a plurality of first fastening members 222 that extend vertically and in parallel from the bottom of the receptacle member 210 toward the top edge 212 a of each panel. In addition to the first fastening members 222, the receptacle member 212 may include a toggle clasp 224 disposed adjacent the top edge 212 a of the receptacle member 210. Receptacle member 210 may also include a zipper closure 226, or other suitable means for closure, including for example, snaps, or hook and loop pile material, disposed at the top thereof to allow for closure of the handbag 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 10, a removably interchangeable bottom sleeve member 230 and strap 250 are illustrated. The bottom sleeve member 230, configured for enveloping a bottom portion of the receptacle member 210, includes a second mating material 236 disposed about the interior periphery 238. The second mating material 236 may be in the form of hooks or loops, depending upon the first mating material 216 employed, and may also be formed of metal, with one of the mating materials being magnetized.

As with the previously-described bottom sleeve member 30, bottom sleeve member 230 also includes two side panels, each side panel being joined by suitable means at each edge to a corresponding edge of the other panel. Each side panel includes a top edge, and a bottom edge, and a bottom panel 234 is coupled to the bottom edges to form the sleeve member 230. On the outer surface 242 of the bottom panel 234 is a second plurality of first fastening members 222 which may extend through the panel to the interior surface as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Upon assembly, the bottom sleeve member 230 with the second mating material 236 disposed about the interior periphery 238 and the inner surface 240, is placed on the receptacle member 210, and the second mating material 236 engages with the first mating material 216 disposed about the periphery of the receptacle member 210 adjacent the bottom and on the outer surface of the bottom panel 214 to detachably retain the bottom sleeve member 230 in place.

The removably interchangeable strap 250 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a plurality of second fastening members 252 that engage with the first plurality and second plurality of first fastening members 222 of the receptacle member 210 and the bottom sleeve member 230 to secure the strap 250 to both members. The second fastening members 252 may be stud snaps or socket snaps, as described above. Strap 250 may also include slotted apertures 254 for cooperating with the toggle clasps 224 when present on the receptacle member to lock the strap onto the receptacle member 210. According to an aspect of the invention, the strap 250 may be permanently joined to the bottom sleeve panel 234.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an additional elongated shoulder strap 256 may be provided to allow the user to carry the handbag 200 on the shoulder. At the terminal ends of the shoulder strap 256 are releasable locking mechanisms 258 that engage with rings 259 disposed on the receptacle member 210, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The shoulder strap 256 may also include a slotted sliding portion 256 a to allow for adjustment and to provide a cushion for the shoulder of a user. When not in use, the shoulder strap 256 may conveniently be stored by clipping the locking mechanism 258 onto the rings 259 and sliding the strap 256 under and between the portions of the strap 250 disposed about the bottom sleeve member 230.

Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, a flexible brief bag 300 is illustrated according to another aspect of the invention. The brief bag 300 includes a top, a bottom, and two opposing sides 312, and a plurality of first fastening members 322 disposed on each side 312 that extend in parallel from the area adjacent the bottom of the brief bag 300 toward the top. According to this aspect of the invention, a strap 350 is provided with a plurality of second fastening members 352 that engage with the plurality of first fastening members 322 to secure the strap 350 to the bag 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, an additional shoulder strap 356 for allowing a user to carry the bag on a shoulder is provided. As with bag 200, the shoulder strap 356 may be conveniently stored under the portion of the strap 350 that is coupled to the bag, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, a duffle bag 400 is illustrated according to another aspect of the invention. The duffle bag 400 includes a top, a bottom, and two opposing sides 412, and a plurality of first fastening members 422 disposed on each side 412 that extend in parallel from the area adjacent the bottom of the bag 400 toward the top. According to this aspect of the invention, a strap 450 is provided with a plurality of second fastening members 452 that engage with the plurality of first fastening members 422 to secure the strap 450 to the bag 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, an additional shoulder strap 456 for allowing a user to carry the bag on a shoulder is provided. As with the hobo and brief bag, the shoulder strap 456 may be conveniently stored under the portion of the strap 450 that is coupled to the bag, as illustrated in FIG. 16.

The handbags 100, 200, 300, and 400 according to an aspect of the invention may further include open pouches, zippered compartments in the interior, or exterior access pockets to provide the user with means for organizing the contents.

Advantageously, the handbags according to the various aspects of the invention provide the user with the ability to maintain and store the contents of the handbag without having to remove any items, while allowing for changes in color with respect to the bottom sleeve member and the strap. For example, the receptacle member may be selected to match a garment or outfit worn, and the strap or sleeve and strap assembly may be selected to match (or contrast) with the garment worn, depending on the desire of the user. The garment worn may include, but is not limited to: jackets, pants, skirts, blouses, scarves, hats, hair accessories, necklaces, belts, wristbands, and shoes. All a user needs is one bag that can easily be coordinated with the style or color worn by selecting different colors for the strap, or the sleeve and strap assembly. The possibilities are myriad.

As an additional advantage, there is reduced waste and lower cost because the user can coordinate one bag with many outfits, without having to purchase additional bags, and without the need for additional storage space, by interchanging the strap, or the strap and bottom sleeve assembly. In addition, when the handbags are made from leather, fewer animals will need to be destroyed. Likewise, when the handbags are formed from flexible plastic, including but not limited to polyurethane, less chemicals are needed.

The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. For example, although panels are described in forming the receptacle and sleeve members, a continuous piece of material may be employed. Additionally, although socket and stud snaps are described, other suitable closure devices, including a post and a cooperating aperture may also be suitable according to an aspect of the invention. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than with a restrictive view, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or an essential feature or element of any or all of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A handbag, comprising: a flexible receptacle member comprising: an open receptacle top; two opposing receptacle sides; a bottom receptacle panel; one or more strips of a first mating material disposed about an exterior periphery of said opposing receptacle sides adjacent said bottom panel and on an exterior surface of said bottom panel; and a plurality of first fastening members disposed on each of said opposing receptacle sides extending in parallel adjacent said bottom receptacle panel to adjacent said open receptacle top, a removably interchangeable bottom sleeve member and elongated strap assembly, comprising: an open sleeve top; a bottom sleeve panel; two opposing sleeve sides; one or more strips of a second mating material, disposed about an interior periphery of said sleeve sides and on an interior surface of said bottom sleeve panel, which matingly engages with said first mating material on said receptacle member; and an elongated strap joined to said bottom sleeve panel, said strap comprising a plurality of second fastening members that engage with said plurality of first fastening members to secure said strap to said receptacle member.
 2. The handbag according to claim 1, further comprising: two toggle clasp members disposed on each opposing side of said receptacle member adjacent said open receptacle top; four slotted members disposed on said strap that matingly engage with said clasp members.
 3. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of first fastening members are stud snaps and said plurality of second fastening members are magnetic socket snaps.
 4. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein said first mating material comprises loops and said second mating material comprises hooks.
 5. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein said first mating material comprises a metal strip and said second mating material comprises a magnetized metal strip.
 6. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle member further includes a zipper adjacent a top edge of said receptacle member.
 7. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle member further includes a stud snap disposed on an inner surface of one side of said receptacle member adjacent a top edge, and a socket snap disposed on an inner surface of the opposite side adjacent said top edge.
 8. A handbag, comprising: a flexible receptacle member, comprising: an open top; two opposing sides; a bottom; and a plurality of first fastening members disposed on each of said opposing sides extending in parallel adjacent said bottom to said open top, and a removably interchangeable elongated strap, comprising: a plurality of second fastening members that engage with said plurality of first fastening members to secure said strap to said receptacle member.
 9. The handbag according to claim 8, further comprising: two toggle clasp members disposed on each opposing side of said receptacle member adjacent said open top; four slotted members disposed on said strap that matingly engage with said clasp members.
 10. The handbag according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of fastening members are stud snaps and said plurality of second fastening members are magnetic socket snaps.
 11. The handbag according to claim 8, wherein said first mating material comprises loops and said second mating material comprises hooks.
 12. The handbag according to claim 18, wherein said first mating material comprises a metal strip and said second mating material comprises a magnetized metal strip.
 13. The handbag according to claim 8, wherein said receptacle member further includes a zipper adjacent a top edge of said receptacle member.
 14. A system for interchanging elements of a handbag, comprising: a flexible, open-ended receptacle member, comprising: a top; a bottom; two opposing sides; and a plurality of first fastening members disposed on each of said opposing sides extending in parallel adjacent said bottom to adjacent said top, and a removably interchangeable elongated strap, comprising: a plurality of second fastening members that engage with said plurality of first fastening members to secure said strap to said receptacle member.
 15. The system according to claim 14, further comprising: one or more strips of a first mating material disposed about an exterior periphery of said receptacle member adjacent said bottom and on an exterior surface of said bottom; and a removably interchangeable bottom sleeve member configured for enveloping a bottom portion of said receptacle member, comprising: one or more strips of a second mating material disposed about an interior periphery of said sleeve member and on an interior surface of said sleeve member which engage with said first mating material on said receptacle member.
 16. The system according to claim 14, wherein said plurality of fastening members are stud snaps and said plurality of second fastening members are magnetic socket snaps.
 17. The system according to claim 15, wherein said first mating material comprises loops and said second mating material comprises hooks.
 18. The system according to claim 15, wherein said first mating material comprises a metal strip and said second mating material comprises a magnetized metal strip.
 19. The system according to claim 15, wherein said strap is permanently joined to said bottom sleeve member.
 20. The system according to claim 15, wherein said strap is removably joined to said bottom sleeve member. 